DETROIT – A judge denied motions for a new trial, resentencing and reconsideration from three men convicted of multiple felonies in connection with the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that on Jan. 27, 2025, Judge Thomas Wilson of the 4th Circuit Court in Jackson County denied motions of a new trial and resentencing by Paul Bellar and Joseph Morrison.
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Wilson also denied a motion for reconsideration by Pete Musico, whose request for a new trial and resentencing was denied back in 2024.
“Public officials must be able to carry out their duties without fearing for their lives,” Nessel said. “Our Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit works tirelessly to hold those who threaten our democracy accountable. I am pleased these motions were denied, ensuring those who seek to endanger public officials and undermine our democratic institutions face consequences for their actions. No one is above the law, and my office will continue to prosecute acts of domestic terrorism, irrespective of presidential pardons or political communications. We will not waver in our commitment to protecting the people of Michigan.”
The three men were convicted in 2022 on one count of providing material support for terrorism, one count of gang membership and one count of felony firearm in the plot to kidnap Whitmer.
